November is the month when the road of life leads us through the colorful change of leaves and apparent dying of creation. It is a month which sees nature in an ostensible quiet, contemplation, silence and stillness. It is also a month when we remember to pray for the holy souls in purgatory and make visits to the graves of dear ones who have made the journey to eternal shores. Below is a powerful quote from Pope Benedict on the importance of silence and listening in prayer. The Holy Father reminds us of a key ingredient for discerning our vocation.
"At times, however, we are tempted to close in on ourselves, to doubt the strength of Christ’s radiance, to limit the horizon of hope. Take courage! Fix your gaze on our saints. The diversity of their experience of God’s presence prompts us to discover anew the breadth and depth of Christianity [...] Dear friends, the example of the saints invites us, then, to consider four essential aspects of the treasure of our faith: personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, charity in action, and vocations [...] There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember: silent contemplation. Saint John, for example, tells us that to embrace God’s revelation we must first listen, then respond by proclaiming what we have heard and seen (cf. 1 Jn 1:2-3; Dei Verbum, 1). Have we perhaps lost something of the art of listening? Do you leave space to hear God’s whisper, calling you forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness" (Pope B16, 19 April 2008, Yonkers, New York).
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Check it out ...
+ The Human Experience now available on DVD (amazing film by Grassroots Films)+ DVD The Star of Bethlehem (very interesting)
+ Travelers Along the Way (new book by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR)
+ I am With You Always (another new book by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR)
+ Fatima for Today (new book by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR)
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May the Lord bless you,
The Friars Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
